Cozy Potato Sausage Chowder Recipe: A Heartwarming Comfort Bowl

Comfort swirls through every spoonful of this hearty potato sausage chowder that warms you from the inside out.

Rustic ingredients blend into a creamy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Savory sausage chunks nestle among tender potato pieces, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Each bite promises pure culinary comfort with its robust blend of ingredients.

Chunks of potatoes absorb the deeply seasoned broth, making every spoonful more delectable than the last.

This chowder transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable dish that celebrates homestyle cooking.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and savor every single delicious moment.

Chowder Ingredient Rundown

• Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the chowder.
• Bacon: A smoky ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: A classic mirepoix that provides a strong aromatic base for the chowder.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds complexity to the flavor profile.
• Potatoes: Hearty chunks that create a creamy and satisfying texture.

• Thyme: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle earthy note to the dish.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic leaves that infuse a delicate flavor into the chowder.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used as a bright garnish.

• Wild Rice: A nutty grain that adds texture and nutritional value.
• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that forms the base of the chowder.
• Heavy Cream: A rich ingredient that makes the chowder creamy and luxurious.
• Flour: A thickening agent used to create a smooth roux.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

Preparing Potato and Sausage Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Squeeze sausage out of its casing and break into small pieces.

Cook the sausage until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, keeping about two tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Toss chopped onions, celery, and carrots into the pot.

Let them cook and soften for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a smooth paste.

Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Gently return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable stock, stirring continuously.

Add bay leaves and wild rice.

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Introduce Potatoes

Add potato chunks to the pot.

Continue cooking for 15 minutes or until both the rice and potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Touch

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Warm the chowder through completely.

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Sausage Chowder

• Choose high-quality, flavorful sausage like spicy Italian or smoky chorizo to enhance the chowder's depth.
• Rinse wild rice before adding to remove excess starch and ensure a cleaner, more distinct texture in the soup.
• Use the rendered sausage fat for extra flavor, but drain excess if too greasy for your preference.
• Add cream at the end to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency in the chowder.
• Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add bright color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Chowder Variations to Enjoy

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. Use vegetable stock for a meat-free version that keeps the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Chowder: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure wild rice is certified gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced green chiles, swap thyme for cumin, and include smoked paprika. Use chorizo-style sausage for extra heat and robust flavor.
• Light Mediterranean Transformation: Use chicken sausage instead of traditional pork. Replace cream with Greek yogurt and add chopped fresh oregano for a tangy, lighter version.

Serving Potato and Sausage Chowder

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty chowder in large, deep bowls surrounded by crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth.
• Winter Comfort Plate: Garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions to add extra crunch and flavor layers to the creamy soup.
• Cozy Lunch Companion: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the chowder's richness and create a complete meal experience.
• Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle some sharp cheddar cheese on top just before serving to elevate the dish with a delicious melty texture and tangy note.

Storage Advice for Sausage Chowder

• Store leftover chowder in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow chowder to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator, preventing condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Enjoy refrigerated chowder within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Freeze chowder in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, understanding that cream-based soups may slightly separate upon thawing, requiring gentle stirring to restore consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with kielbasa, Italian sausage, or chorizo for varied flavor profiles.

• Is wild rice necessary for this recipe?

Wild rice adds texture and nutty flavor, but you can replace it with long-grain rice or barley if needed.

• How can I make this chowder healthier?

Use lean sausage, low-fat cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this chowder in advance?

Yes, the chowder can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Potato and Sausage Chowder Hearty Qualities

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This chowder delivers a warm, satisfying meal packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients that hug your taste buds.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Meal: Swap wild rice for regular rice, choose different sausage types, or adjust vegetable quantities to match your family's preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Loaded with protein from sausage, vegetables for vitamins, and wild rice for whole grains, this chowder offers a balanced, wholesome dinner option.

Potato Sausage Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty potato sausage chowder delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending rustic flavors with creamy richness. Savory sausage and tender potatoes create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400g (6) sausages, any flavor
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chunked
• 1/2 cup (100g) wild rice
• 4 cups (1 litre) chicken or vegetable stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) light cream or half and half
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a heated pot with oil, breaking it out of casings and cooking until golden. Transfer meat to a separate plate while preserving 2 tablespoons of rendered fat.
2. Sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots in the same pot for approximately 10 minutes over medium heat until vegetables soften and develop slight caramelization.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and fresh thyme, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Dust vegetables with flour, creating a smooth paste and cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste, constantly stirring to prevent scorching.
5. Return crispy sausage to the pot and gradually introduce chicken stock, ensuring smooth integration without lumps.
6. Add wild rice and bay leaves, reducing heat and allowing mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
7. Introduce potato chunks and continue cooking for 15 minutes until rice and potatoes reach tender consistency, testing with a fork.
8. Finish chowder by stirring in heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper, and heating thoroughly without boiling.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Sausage Selection Choose spicy or mild sausage based on personal heat preference, ensuring maximum flavor depth.
• Fat Management Reserve sausage drippings for extra richness, creating a more intense base for the chowder.
• Rice Variation Swap wild rice with quinoa or barley for different nutritional profiles and gluten-free options.
• Creamy Texture Temper cream by slowly adding hot liquid to prevent curdling, maintaining smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 47 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg